Actf&R Senior Director Policy, Planning And Support

Council Jobs; Canberra; On-site; AUD 155,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) is seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Senior Director Policy, Planning and Support. Reporting directly to the Chief Officer, you'll be at the centre of strategic decision-making, providing trusted advice, leading key organisational initiatives, and helping ensure ACTF&R delivers world-class services to the Canberra community.

You will oversee corporate, financial and administrative functions, maintain stakeholder relationships, and coordinate briefs,

Qualifications

• Exposure to emergency service operational environments would be an advantage.
• Background / Security clearance checks will be conducted to obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 clearance
• This position does not require a pre-employment medical
• The successful applicant may be required to undertake occasional after-hours work and attend community events.
• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under theWorking with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to -Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative advice on complex and sensitive matters affecting the organisation.
• Lead planning and policy development initiatives across ACTF&R.
• Oversee delivery of corporate, financial, and administrative functions within the Chief Officer's Office.

Job description

Actf&R Senior Director Policy, Planning And Support

Classification: Senior Officer Grade A
Salary: $172,246 plus superannuation
Position No: 72424
Directorate: Justice and Community Safety
Advertised (Gazettal date): 26 October 2026
Contact Officer: Peter Cleary on************@act.gov.auor0427 416 ***

Details: Ready to help shape the future of one of Canberra's most respected emergency services? ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) is looking for an exceptional leader to take on the role of Senior Director Policy, Planning and Support. Reporting directly to the ACTF&R Chief Officer, you'll be at the centre of strategic decision-making, providing trusted advice, leading key organisational initiatives, and helping ensure ACTF&R continues to deliver world-class services to the community.

The successful applicant will provide authoritative advice on complex and sensitive matters affecting the organisation. This includes interpreting and applying legislative frameworks such as the Emergencies Act 2004, providing advice relating to ACTF&R Enterprise Agreements and supporting industrial relations processes. Working closely with the Chief Officer and Executive team, the Senior Director will research, prepare, coordinate, and deliver high-quality briefings, reports, and correspondence to support informed decision-making.

A further key focus of the role is leading planning and policy development initiatives across ACTF&R. The position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining strategic policy documentation, while supporting organisational change initiatives and ensuring effective change management practices are embedded across the organisation.

You will also oversee the delivery of corporate, financial, and administrative functions within the Chief Officer's Office; This includes maintaining effective business processes, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and ensuring the efficient coordination of activities that support executive operations. The role additionally provides administrative support to ACTF&R Capability and Special Operations, including oversight of procurement activities and asset management processes.

If you are energised by complex challenges, enjoy turning strategy into action, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, we would love to hear from you!

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other requirements:

• Exposure to emergency service operational environments would be an advantage.
• Background / Security clearance checks will be conducted to obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 clearance
• This position does not require a pre-employment medical
• The successful applicant may be required to undertake occasional after-hours work and attend community events.
• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under theWorking with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to -Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)

Notes: Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.